Molecular detection using an optical waveguide fixed to a cantilever

a technology of optical waveguide and cantilever, which is applied in the field of detection of molecules, can solve the problems of many known molecular detection techniques that are difficult or impossible to perform, and many molecular detection techniques are limited, so as to facilitate the immobilization of the receptor, enhance bonding, and improve light transmission through the waveguide

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-10-19
LUCENT TECH INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This solution enables accurate and efficient detection of ligands in fluids with reduced sensitivity to vibrations and misalignment, allowing for precise measurement of ligand concentration and simultaneous detection of multiple molecules in real-time.

Problems solved by technology

Many molecular detection techniques are limited by low a concentration of the molecule, a relatively high concentration of similar molecules, difficulty in isolating the molecule, and similar drawbacks.
As a result, many known molecular detection techniques are difficult or impossible to perform, and results obtained using such methods can be inaccurate.
A drawback shared by most prior detection methods is that they require that a member of the binding pair, or the bound pair, be detectably labeled.
In addition to increasing the labor requirement and complexity of the test, such labeling can interfere with the assay results.
Binding of the other pair member with the immobilized pair member induces a stress on the face of the cantilever having the immobilized pair member thereon, resulting in bending of the cantilever.
A difficulty experienced using nanoscale cantilever-based binding detectors based on reflected light is that the devices are highly sensitive to minute vibrations.
Any misalignment of the optical beam severely degrades the optical signal.

Method used

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  • Molecular detection using an optical waveguide fixed to a cantilever
  • Molecular detection using an optical waveguide fixed to a cantilever

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examples

[0097] The invention is now described with reference to the following Examples. These Examples are provided for the purpose of illustration only, and the invention is not limited to these Examples, but rather encompasses all variations which are evident as a result of the teaching provided herein.

[0098] Fabrication of a Multiple Cantilever Detector

[0099] This example describes how a detector described herein can be fabricated.

[0100] A double-sided polished silicon wafer having a substantially uniform thickness of about 250 micrometers is used as a substrate. The silicon substrate is immersed in a boiling 6:1:1 mixture of distilled, de-ionized water (DDW):ammonium hydroxide:hydrogen peroxide. After rinsing, the substrate is immersed in a boiling bath of a 6:1:1 mixture of DDW:hydrochloric acid:hydrogen peroxide in order to clean the surface thereof. After rinsing with DDW, the wafer is immersed in concentrated hydrofluoric acid for 5 minutes. The wafer is rinsed again with a copio...

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Abstract

The invention relates to devices and methods for detecting a ligand in a liquid, based on deflection of one or more microscopic cantilevers. Each cantilever has an optical waveguide fixed thereto or integral therewith. Deflection of the cantilever is detected by assessing coupling of light between the optical waveguide on the cantilever and an optical waveguide fixed distally thereto.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 625,384 filed 23 Jul. 2003, which is now allowed.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates generally to the field of detecting molecules using microscopic cantilever-based devices. [0003] Detection of a molecule, e.g., a nucleic acid, a polypeptide, a carbohydrate, or a combination thereof, or binding between a molecule and a binding partner of the molecule is a common assay technique. Many molecular detection techniques are limited by low a concentration of the molecule, a relatively high concentration of similar molecules, difficulty in isolating the molecule, and similar drawbacks. As a result, many known molecular detection techniques are difficult or impossible to perform, and results obtained using such methods can be inaccurate. A drawback shared by most prior detection methods is that they require that a member of the binding pair, or the...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G02B6/00G01N33/543G02B6/35
CPCG01N33/54373G02B6/3566G02B6/3502
InventorTRAN, ALEX T.CARR, DUSTIN W.
OwnerLUCENT TECH INC